The Clippers have spent a good part of the past couple weeks shoring up a roster that – less than a month ago – had exactly five players under guarantees contract.Four weeks later, the Clippers have emerged with measurable depth and a fairly capable nine-man rotation, which will be expanded to ten with the addition of another frontcourt body (either Josh Powell or, if the rumors bear out, Dutch foul machine Francisco Elson).

Starting FivePGB. DavisSGMobleySF ThorntonPFCambyC Kaman

In the Rotation PGHartSGGordonSF R. DavisFThomas F/C-ish Powell/TBD

Project/SporadicPGTaylorCJordan

Powell was put on the spot during the second half last season, but impressed – though he’s often overmatched against true centers.Elson, despite his seven-foot stature, doesn’t perform a whole lot better against imposing bigs, though he’s an excellent rebounder (as is Powell).The Clippers second unit was woeful on the glass last season and it cost them ballgames.

It’s tempting to suggest that, with Elton and Corey gone, the Clips will be a decidedly more up-tempo team.Though it’s safe to assume their Possessions/Game number will inch upward, I’m not sure the uptick will be more than marginal.They’re still fielding two bigs, a couple of big guards who post well, and Thornton, who is sliding over to the 3, where he can utilize his size – something he couldn’t really do at the 4 last season.

Everyone loves watching a run-and-gun squad, but it’s worth examining the possibility that the Clippers’ best recipe for offensive success resides in the halfcourt, but -- and here’s the good news – with more motion-oriented sets.

UPDATE(Wed, 8:58p): The Clips have placed Josh Powell on waivers. It's a little disappointing because, ACC apologist that I am, I think Josh Powell is useful as a rotation player. He really grew last season -- developed a mid-range game, improved defensively on the high/low switch, and did some solid work on the glass (15.2 RR). In any event, the Clips are still short one big body.

Posted Wednesday, October 29 at 3:20PM

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I like the line up, I can't wait to see some ally oop action from Davis to Thorton. That said, I think Mobley is a little stale. I'd like to get rid of him. I don't enjoy watching him play and he reeks of the clipps of yesteryear. Anybody got any plausable suggestions for a mobley replacement.

I hope we keep Powell, I had doubts about him. But he went out on the court at the last half of last season and really did his job. I saw a lot of heart and determination. Even when we were down by 26 at the half...and as we all know that's always something the clipps could use.

At this point, he is your 3rd or 4th option on offense, but he can morph into a #1 option when you really need a bucket.

Much like QRoss and TT last year, his weaknesses get exposed when he has to be a big part of the offense/defense. His skills are much more valuable in a limited role as opposed to needing to be a difference maker.

The good thing about Cat is he can still be a difference maker at times. There are times when he's on fire, and nobody can stop him in the post. If he falters, you have Ricky Davis or Gordon waiting in the wings.

Skinner is a minimum contract player. Elson is capable of playing more minutes IMO and is worth more than the minimum. In a perfect world, the Clippers could sign both (Skinner to the minimum) and have Camby/Kaman/Elson/Thomas/Skinner/Fazekas as their big men.

I didn't realize that the two year deal for Ricky Davis had the second year as a player option. THAT was smart. I have a feeling (gut feeling) that R. Davis is about to turn the page in his career. Obviously, that player option was to give R. Davis the ability to sign with another team next year is his game improves this year. Shrewd move on the Clippers part because that gives R. Davis more incentive to put in a great year. PLUS he got rid of his braids. Maybe, he's trying to improve his image and position himself for a break-out year to get that next offer...

I have a lot of confidence in Mike Taylor and espcially DeAndre Jordan and believe they will step into there roles just fine.

DeAndre Jordan may have somewhat more pressure on him as they might need him to step in when Kaman gets tired.

I saw some mixtape videos of Mobley today and liked what I saw. I agree if wants to be our strong starter he has to start acting a little younger get some of that bounce back in his step. Also loos the bandage unless it's the he's using it like other SG wear it.

Guys I would like to see join the Clippers if Mobley can't go:

*Michael Redd (okay that one was just a dream lol)

*Rip Hamilton (Dream but rumors say the Pistons are looking at shaking up there starting line-up) I would trade Mobley TT and all the draft picks in the world for RIP.

^^^Take one second and imagine Rip on as our starting SG... :)
...Back to the point
J.R. Smith- I know your thinking he's a back-up but his hustle could useful in the starting line-up.

Kind of sad I at least thought he had some trade vaule espcially to a team that are trying to salary dump. Also could be a piece to move to increase in a bigger trade. A trade with Powell and Tim Thomas for a solid PR would have been great.

This really puts TT either at the 4 back-up or a trade or free agent. I would like to see a strong 15-man roster so we have options.

Really think DeAndre Jordan can handle the backup for C but the PF is a need that really has to be filled.

Brain Skinner- Did he not cost Phoenix one there games against the Spurs with some turnovers.

Elson- Haven't heard or seen much from him in a long time.

If we could find get a caliber player like C.Landry we would be ten times better.

Powell was a good rebounder and actually could make a mid range jumper. Skinner couldn't make a free throw in the Playoffs. I think we should have kept Powell. He didn't cost us much for his skill level.

Mobley is a solid player who can fill the stat sheet. He can post, he can shoot threes, he can guard (Dirk), he can rebound and pass, he can finish on the break. The guy gets banged up and still plays (has probably played more games the last three years than any other Clipper). He doesn't complain and offered to sit down last year to help keep Maggette "happy". He's not that expensive. He's gone for 30 a few times. He was lights out in pre-season and the first few games last year until he got hurt while the Clips had few scoring options to start the season. Shut up on the Mobley thing. That's the least of their problems. He's one guy who won't have a head case issue on this team while showing up and putting up some decent numbers and non-stat contributions.

Jerdog - I agree about Cuttino Mobley. He doesn't get enough credit for being willing to play through injury. He's a capable starter and good teammate, but ideally should be playing no more than 28mpg.(and let's be honest, he is sort of expensive).

Thanks for the link Chosen one, although I don't think its the most updated version because the salary for Ricky Davis is wrong (it says $6 million) and it has Baron listed as #5 (he's now #1) and Gordon as #23 when he's now #10.

I'm sorry but those guys produce more. I will give Mobley a nice intangible though, hes a veteran who has been with the Clippers only less than Kaman, and can help build chemistry that our team needs... Unfortunately we're paying a premimum for it...

Okay I never really followed up on dance team ladies but so many people talked about some girl Taylor I thought I should investigate.
After high levels of study (an hour of comparing pictures on yahoo and clipper.com lol) I would have to say that from my results Taylor is really a ...Butter-face.

For those not aware that means she looks good everywhere but her face. Matter of personal taste and opinion but that just how I call it.
Women that I have seen from the clipper Squad that would make me forget her in a second would have to be:

1.Ashley
2.Jacquelin
3.Brittany
4.Harmony

Again it all flows on personaly taste (and natural ability to see persons face lol BURN!!!!!)

Other WillC- I would probably put Mobley somewhere in the lower middle of that list. You could make an equally long if not longer list of contracts that are worse than Cat's. If that's the worst contract we have on the roster I can live with it.

Another strange move by LAC. The Knight for Hart trade I did't get...and now waiving Powell. He would have been able to backup at the PF very well b/c of Camby / Jordan are around to backup Kaman. I'd figure Powell would really do well in that role and not be over matched agaist b/u 5's each night. LAC must have another trick up their sleve.

Dan S. - I echo your sentiments. Cat's not a bargain, but neither is his contract crippling. He expires in two years, and until then, helps you win some games while giving Gordon some time to learn the ropes.

The other WillC, I don't think most of the guys on your list are that good. The best ones are probably Gordon (sporadic), Crawford (still developing), Terry (getting old like Mobley), Miller (one dimensional), and Prince. Everyone else should be a bench player on a good team.

I also agree with the comments here that Mobley shouldn't be over-worked. 24-28 minutes should be OK while giving the balance to Gordon so he can get PT.

Jesus, I thought the Clippers released Mike Taylor from reading those posts. Do you people have parental control on your internet or something? There are better places on the net to look at hot chicks than the clipper site